Pastor’s Piece for May 2024

Dear Family,

“Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words

will be an encouragement to those who hear them”. Ephesians 4:29

After failing her driving exam five times, a woman was petrified of trying again. As she slid into the driver's seat for her sixth test, she felt sick with dread. But then the examiner said softly, “Just pretend you're driving me to your favorite place.” The examiner's kindness immediately drained away much of her tension and freed her to do her best.

 It can be liberating to hear a calming word when we need it. Kindness and uplifting words have a healing quality. The Bible tells us to intentionally choose words that build people up. “When you speak, make sure it’s always full of grace, and well flavored with salt! That way you’ll know how to give each person an appropriate answer.“ Colossians 4:6. Let's pay attention to the affect of our words and ask the Holy Spirit to guide us in all we say.

In May we're continuing to review “the seven deadly sins” of pride, greed, lust, anger, gluttony, envy, and sloth. These familiar traps undermine our walk with God and rob us of the purposeful and productive life He intends for us. We can draw on the power of Christ to resist these temptations and move forward in God's plan during every part of our lives. Our best defense is to deliberately maintain a spirit of gratitude to the Lord.

  Each year in Minnesota we welcome the warm weather that's now arriving. In the months ahead we'll have more freedom and opportunities for a variety of activities. Let's choose to honor and serve the Lord in all we do and keep following Jesus together!

 I look forward to seeing you Sundays at 8:30 or 10:00 AM.

 Dale